Southern California -- this just in

No charges for Christian school principal accused of lewd acts

L.A. County prosecutors on Thursday declined to file charges against a Christian school principal accused of lewd acts against a student, citing insufficient evidence.

Daniel Weston, 47, was arrested Tuesday by Whittier police on suspicion of inappropriately touching a child younger than 14 in a sexual manner.

The incident allegedly took place in January 2008, when he was principal of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church School in Whittier. Weston has since become principal of a church school in West Covina.

Prosecutors said the alleged victim was a 13-year-old student at the Whittier school when the incident supposedly occurred.

The alleged victim, now 17, told police the assault happened when she went to Weston's classroom and asked for help with homework.

She alleged he "began caressing and tickling her back over her clothing," according to a filing from the district attorney's office where the reasons for declining charges were outlined.

Moments later, she claimed he put his hand under her shirt and "momentarily caressed her chest."

The young woman waited until now to make the accusations because, according to what she told investigators, she will soon begin college and wants to "start a new chapter in her life without this hanging over her," the filing said.

In interviews with detectives, Weston denied inappropriately touching any student, in particular this young woman. Whittier police sought out any other additional victims, but none came forward.

Prosecutors also noted the suspect made no incriminatory statements and had no prior criminal record.